Source: Kaman interested in joining Celtics

Source: Kaman interested in joining Celtics

OAKLAND, Calif. The Boston Celtics are very much in the market for a center and will certainly look to make a move prior to the trading deadline.

But if the C's fail to land a much-needed big man prior to tomorrow's 3 p.m. deadline, all is not lost in their quest to add size.

New Orleans center Chris Kaman has been on the trading block for a while, with the asking price seemingly dropping by the minute.

He's earning more than 14 million this season, which as you can imagine, has scared off a number of potential suitors.

If the Hornets can't move him via trade, you can anticipate talks about a buy-out to begin soon.

That would allow him to become a free agent and sign with any team of his choosing.

According to a league source, Boston would be on his short list of potential destinations.

"You look at what they need and what he brings to the game . . . it would be a great fit, it really would," the source said. "But a lot of things have to happen, and not happen, before that can come about."

In the meantime, Boston (22-19) will try to make due with a lineup that's significantly smaller than anticipated. Jermaine O'Neal (wrist) and Chris Wilcox (heart-related issues) are both out indefinitely, although Ainge said he hopes to have more answers on the futures of both players prior to tomorrow's deadline.

Short of adding Kaman or another big man that could be bought out after the trading deadline, Ainge has said he's willing to ride this season out with the guys he currently has on the roster.

"Of course we'd like to be healthier and have a few more wins," Ainge told CSNNE.com. "But . . . you can see we are getting better in a lot of areas."

In addition to Kaman, other big men that have been linked with the Celtics in recent weeks include the freakishly athletic Wizards big man JaVale McGee, Minnesota lefty Michael Beasley and Indiana's Tyler Hansbrough.

According to former Celtic great Larry Bird, who is currently Indiana's president of basketball operations, Hansbrough could be on Boston's roster if the Pacers were willing to also give up a first-round pick in return for Ray Allen.

Griff Whalen practicing for Patriots, wearing No. 14

Griff Whalen practicing for Patriots, wearing No. 14

FOXBORO -- The Patriots took to the practice field behind Gillette Stadium on Friday with all but one player.

Wideout Danny Amendola was the only player not present at the session. Newly-acquired receiver Griff Whalen was present and wearing No. 14.

Safety Jordan Richards was back on the practice field for the first time since suffering a knee injury against the Jets in Week 12. Martellus Bennett (ankle/shoulder), Elandon Roberts (hamstring), Eric Rowe (hamstring) and Matthew Slater (foot) were all limited in practice on Thursday, but were on the field Friday.

Friday, Dec. 9: John Scott calls it quits

Friday, Dec. 9: John Scott calls it quits

Here are all the links from around the hockey world and what I’m reading while digging the Spider-Man trailer that dropped last night.

*John Scott has finally called it a day and announced his retirement, and apparently there’s a book of his memoirs also coming out too. I’m predicting it’s not headed for the New York Times best seller list.

*Connor McDavid calls the Flyers' Brandon Manning classless for telling him on the ice that he purposefully tried to hurt him last season. Some players might also take issue with McDavid making public what another player said to him on the ice. That’s kind of a no-no for most hockey players and breaks an unwritten rule that McDavid might think he’s above given his star status. This whole thing isn’t a good look for anybody.

*Kevin Stevens pleads guilty to federal drug charges in what’s become a pretty sad situation for the former NHL star.

*New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is beginning to raise questions with his play, and his massive price tag.

*Youngsters Zach Weresnki and Dylan Larkin took similar paths to the NHL, and are both considered part of the talented young generation full of hockey stars.

*PHT writer Joey Alfieri has Carey Price taking a nutty on Kyle Palmieri after the player crashed into his crease last night. Price is being celebrated for sticking up for himself, but if another goalie did that to a Habs player at the Bell Centre, there would already be a warrant out for his arrest. Play it both ways, Montreal!